Safety Information and Instructions for Use

ForceDiam - Safety Information & Instructions for Use - Version 1.0

1. Before use

• Confirm that the drill bit diameter, connection/thread, drilling length, operating mode and machine capacity are
suitable for the planned job.
• Inspect the drill bit before every use. Do not use a bit with cracks, deformation, loose or missing diamond
segments, damaged welds, excessive wear, damaged threads or other visible defects.
• Ensure the drill bit is fitted correctly and securely to the drilling machine. Disconnect the machine from its power
source before fitting, removing or inspecting the drill bit.
• Check the work area for hidden electrical cables, gas lines, water pipes and other services before drilling. Obtain
permission before drilling structural elements where required.
• Keep bystanders away from the drilling area and maintain a clean, stable working position.

2. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Wear suitable eye protection or a face shield to protect against chips, slurry and fragments.
• Use hearing protection appropriate to the drilling machine and work environment.
• Wear safety footwear and suitable work clothing. Avoid loose clothing, jewellery and unsecured long hair near
rotating equipment.
• Wear appropriate gloves for handling the drill bit when the machine is stopped. Do not place gloved hands near
rotating parts.
• Where dust can be generated, use effective dust control and suitable respiratory protection in accordance with the
material being drilled and local workplace requirements.

3. Safe drilling

• Use the drill bit only with a compatible core drilling machine and follow the machine manufacturer's operating and
safety instructions.
• Secure or stabilise the drilling machine as required for the equipment and drilling direction. Do not rely on hand
force alone where a rig or stand is required.
• Apply steady feed pressure. Do not force the drill bit, shock-load it or use it as a lever.
• Keep hands, cables, hoses and clothing clear of rotating parts.
• Stop the machine immediately if abnormal vibration, unusual noise, segment movement, binding, overheating or
loss of control occurs. Disconnect power before inspection.
• Never touch the drill bit immediately after drilling. The barrel and segments may be hot.

4. Cooling, dust and slurry

• Use wet or dry drilling only as specified for the particular drill bit and drilling machine. Do not assume that every
diamond core bit is suitable for both methods.
• For wet drilling, provide an adequate and continuous water supply when required. Manage slurry and water so that
they cannot create slip, electrical or environmental hazards.
• Keep electrical equipment, plugs and connections protected from water. Use appropriate electrical protection for
the work environment.
• For dry drilling, use suitable dust extraction where applicable. Concrete and masonry dust may be harmful if
inhaled.

5. Reinforced concrete and embedded metal

• Only drill reinforced concrete when the specific ForceDiam drill bit is intended for that use.
• Cutting reinforcement can increase load, heat and reaction torque. Maintain machine control and reduce feed
pressure if necessary.
• Do not cut structural reinforcement unless the work has been authorised and assessed by a competent person.

6. Jamming and reaction torque

• Be prepared for reaction torque if the core bit binds or jams. Use the machine handles and support systems
provided by the drilling machine manufacturer.
• Do not attempt to free a jammed bit while the machine is energised. Switch off, isolate the power supply and follow
the machine manufacturer's procedure.

7. Core removal and handling

• Before removing a drilled core, make sure it is supported and cannot fall or roll unexpectedly.
• Use care when handling the core and the drill bit; cut edges and diamond segments may be sharp.
• Disconnect the machine from its power source before removing the bit, clearing debris or carrying out
maintenance.

8. Storage and transport

• Clean the drill bit after use and allow it to dry before storage.
• Store in a dry location where the barrel and diamond segments cannot be struck, bent or damaged.
• Protect the thread/connection and diamond segments during transport. Do not throw or drop the drill bit.

9. Do not use the product if

• The drill bit is visibly damaged, cracked, bent or excessively worn.
• A diamond segment is loose, missing or damaged.
• The connection or thread is damaged or does not match the machine.
• The drilling machine is unsuitable for the drill bit diameter, connection or intended drilling method.
• The operator cannot maintain safe control of the drilling machine or the work area cannot be made safe.

10. Residual hazards

• Even when used correctly, residual risks can include rotating-part entanglement, reaction torque, ejected
fragments, falling cores, sharp edges, hot surfaces, noise, vibration, dust, slurry and contact with concealed
services.
• The operator must assess the work area and use suitable control measures before drilling.
Important: This document provides general safety information for ForceDiam diamond core drill bits. It does not
replace the instructions for the drilling machine, job-specific risk assessment, site rules or applicable legal
requirements. Where a specific product label, technical data sheet or machine instruction gives more restrictive
guidance, follow that guidance.

Manufacturer / EU responsible operator
ForceDiam - Unit 5 Tolka Valley Business Park, Ballyboggan Road, Dublin 11, D11FT52, Ireland - info@forcediam.ie